https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-approves-trial-court-funding-will-help-ensure-access-court-users Judicial Council Approves Trial Court Funding That Will Help Ensure Access for Court UsersCorren, Blaine Fri, 07/17/2026 - 12:54 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its July 17 meeting approved statewide funding for trial court operations included in the most recent state budget signed by Gov. Newsom. The funding for fiscal year 2026–27 includes money for staffing, interpreters, court-appointed dependency counsel, continued implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, and other costs associated with trial court operations. “These allocations are the primary funding source for the trial courts and are essential to support court operations and sustain critical programs and services for the public,” said Judge Jonathan Conklin, chair of the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee. The council uses an established formula based on court workload to allocate the funding equitably among the 58 superior courts in California. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Legal Services for Low-Income PartiesThe council approved $54 million in state funding allocated over the next three years to fund the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act, which supports projects providing legal representation and improved court services for low-income parties on critical legal issues affecting basic human needs. These projects address housing, domestic violence, civil harassment, probate conservatorships, guardianships, elder abuse, and child custody matters. “The Shriver program is California’s commitment to ensuring meaningful access for low-income litigants facing issues that affect basic needs,” said Judge Judith Dulcich. “For example, Shriver-funded attorneys are essential in helping self-represented litigants navigate evolving eviction procedures, rental assistance programs, and complex housing laws.”  (Watch the archived video of this Consent Agenda item) Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda: Updated Plan for Court Construction: The council approved the Judicial Branch Five-Year Infrastructure Plan and five capital-outlay budget change proposals for fiscal year 2027–28. The plan represents the funding needs for new courthouse construction, as well as renovations and additions to existing facilities. The rating and ranking criteria looks at a number of factors related to courthouse conditions, such as seismic strength, safety and security, ADA compliance, and access to court services. Courthouse construction follows standardized and previously approved courtroom layouts, which saves time and money. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Upgrading Court Technology: The council approved $12.5 million in state grant funding provided to help courts expand their use of technology, including projects related to cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, case management systems, and e-filing. Courts requested nearly $63 million in grant funding, demonstrating the substantial gap in available funds and the courts desire to use technology to improve court operations and services to the public. Due to the limited funding, the council encourages courts to collaborate on shared technology projects. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Grants to Improve Jury Service: The council approved $600,000 in state grant funding to improve jury service management, including money for jury management systems upgrades, self-check-in kiosks, A/V equipment, and other tools that would increase efficiency and improve the experience of potential jurors called to serve. Grants to Expand Language Access: The council approved $2.35 million in state grant funding to expand language access for court users. Funding will be included for court projects related to interpreter equipment, translation of court website information, and multilingual kiosks and audio/visual systems. Budget Change Proposals: The council approved budget change proposals to the California Department of Finance for consideration in the fiscal year 2027-28 budget, which include increased funding for court-appointed counsel, technology, cybersecurity, and courthouse maintenance. The budget change proposals represent the highest values and priorities of the state judicial branch and support increasing access to justice for all Californians. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) The complete meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center—an archived webcast of today’s meeting will be posted to the center as soon as it is available. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/photos-reopening-ceremony-juvenile-dependency-courthouse-san-bernardino Photos: Reopening Ceremony for Juvenile Dependency Courthouse in San BernardinoCorren, Blaine Thu, 07/16/2026 - 09:33 Feature San Bernardino County judges and court staff hosted a special dedication ceremony on July 8 to officially celebrate the reopening of the expanded and renovated San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Courthouse. Attendees comprised attorneys, court appointed special advocates (CASA), and representatives from various local justice partners, including the county counsel’s office, district attorney’s office, public defender’s office, probation, legal aid, juvenile justice organizations, local supervisor offices, and local legislative offices.Full-size photos and captions from the dedication ceremony can also be seen on Flickr Upgraded Courthouse Improves Services to the Public The San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Courthouse provides service countywide as the court’s juvenile dependency facility. The expansion addressed an increase in caseload and court users through two new fully accessible courtrooms and support spaces, improved security for public entry/exiting, larger public waiting areas, an expanded clerk’s office, two new lactation rooms, and bicycle parking. Green Building Is Energy Efficient The building’s sustainability features are built to LEED Silver as designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The courthouse’s sustainability features include drought-tolerant landscaping, permeable concrete walkways, water-efficient irrigation and plumbing systems, LED lighting and room occupancy sensors for energy savings, and the use of zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) interior paint that doesn’t release harmful gases/vapors. Statewide Court Facilities Program The Judicial Council supports the court facilities of California's Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and trial courts by providing a broad range of services. These include facility planning, design and construction, facility operations management, environmental compliance and sustainability, real estate services and asset management, and emergency planning and security coordination. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 39 new courthouse projects and another 14 projects are underway and in various stages. Learn more about the state’s courthouse construction projects https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/leadership-perspectives-chief-justice-tani-g-cantil-sakauye-100-years-judicial-council Leadership Perspectives: Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on 100 Years of the Judicial CouncilCorren, Blaine Tue, 07/14/2026 - 11:08 Feature In celebration of the council’s 100th anniversary, former California Chief Justices and Judicial Council Administrative Directors offered their perspectives on the importance of the council and its mission to enhance access to justice. Their perspectives help show how the council evolved into a critical institution that promotes consistency across courts, elevates service to the public, and enhances the experience of those who rely on our justice system. California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.)In her role as Chief Justice from 2011-2022, Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye served as chair of the Judicial Council of California. In a recent interview, she answered questions about her time leading the council, including her biggest accomplishments as well as her greatest challenges. “I think I just assumed that people understood all three branches of government, and that there would be easier conversations about making sure that all of the government could still provide services during a time of crisis, like the Great Recession, or COVID-19,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye. Despite the budget challenges facing the judicial branch when she began her term as Chief Justice, she added “I think that having and confronting a crisis in the moment really brings out our best instincts about how to deal with it, how to include folks, and how to proceed.” See the full interview with Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye on the Celebrating 100 Years of the Judicial Council of California website. More interviews in this leadership perspectives series will be posted in the next few months. History, Timeline, Videos, and Exhibit Further Highlight Impact of Judicial CouncilComplementing the judicial leader perspectives, additional resources on the 100th anniversary website help explain the council’s impact on California’s judicial branch and the residents who rely on the justice system: The Judicial Council of California: The First 100 Years (1926–2026): Narrative history of the council, which has helped to solidify the judicial branch and improve court services for the public. 100 Milestones for 100 Years:  Interactive timeline highlights some of the actions taken or supported by the Judicial Council to improve the court system and enhance the administration of justice. Video: How the Judicial Council Is Transforming the Court Experience: Showcases just a few of the council’s transformative initiatives, including self-help services; language access support; remote access; and building modern and secure new courthouses. Council Leadership: Bios of previous Chief Justices and council Administrative Directors, as well as a list of Judicial Council members who have served from 1926 to 2026. Videos: Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch: Videos highlight some of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. 100th Anniversary Archive Exhibit: Historical photos, publications, and other memorabilia from the council that highlight key milestones and achievements in expanding access to justice over the past century. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-consider-funding-proposals-trial-court-operations Judicial Council to Consider Funding Proposals for Trial Court OperationsCorren, Blaine Fri, 07/10/2026 - 16:33 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its July 17 meeting will consider recommendations on how to allocate funding to the trial courts included in the most recent state budget signed by Gov. Newsom. The funding recommendations for fiscal year 2026–27 include how to allocate money for staffing, interpreters, court-appointed dependency counsel, continued implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, and other costs associated with trial court operations. The recommendations use an established formula based on court workload to allocate the funding. Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda: Budget Change Proposals: The council will consider submitting 24 budget change proposals to the California Department of Finance for consideration in the fiscal year 2027-28 budget, which include increased funding for new judgeships, court-appointed counsel, technology, interpreters, cybersecurity, and new courthouse construction and maintenance. Updated Plan for Court Construction: The council will consider the Judicial Branch Five-Year Infrastructure Plan and five capital-outlay budget change proposals for fiscal year 2027–28. The plan represents the funding needs for new courthouse construction, as well as renovations and additions to existing facilities. Upgrading Court Technology: The council will consider a proposal to allocate $12.5 million in grant funding to help courts expand their use of technology, including projects related to cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, case management systems, and e-filing. Legal Services for Low-Income Parties: The council will consider funding recommendations totaling $54 million over the next three years under the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act to support projects providing legal representation and improved court services for low-income parties on critical legal issues affecting basic human needs. These projects address housing, domestic violence, civil harassment, probate conservatorships, guardianships, elder abuse, and child custody matters. Grants to Improve Jury Service: The council will consider a proposal to allocate $600,000 in grant funding to improve jury service management, including money for jury management systems upgrades, self-check-in kiosks, A/V equipment, and other tools that would increase efficiency and improve the experience of potential jurors called to serve. Grants to Expand Language Access: The council will consider a proposal to allocate $2.35 million in grant funding to expand language access for court users. Funding would be included for court projects related to interpreter equipment, translation of court website information, and multilingual kiosks and audio/visual systems. The complete council meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center. A link to a live webcast of the meeting will be on the California Courts website on the day of the meeting. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-250-know-your-constitutional-rights Justice 250: Know Your Constitutional Rightselaine.chan Tue, 07/07/2026 - 09:32 Feature Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero joined law schools, legal organizations, and other local justice partners at “Justice 250,” a July 2 celebratory community engagement and educational event held on the U.S.S. Midway Museum in San Diego. The event centered on reinforcing the rights and liberties embodied in the Declaration of Independence, highlighting how justice has progressed over the last 250 years and how it can be protected going forward. The event featured 40 booths that provided legal information and resources for community members to learn more about their constitutional rights and how to access legal and court resources.  California Chief Justice Emphasizes Need for Independent Judiciary “Our nation is not one of perfection, but it remains a nation of profound promise,” said Chief Justice Guerrero, who served as a guest speaker for the Justice 250 event and spoke on the importance of our country’s founding principles. “To this day, the words embodied in the Declaration of Independence, and the concept of an independent and coequal judicial branch, serve as a powerful beacon to all who strive for liberty and equality.” The Chief Justice also spoke about the critical importance of equal and independent courts in the proper administration of justice to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law. She emphasized that judges carry out their responsibilities by making decisions according to the law and must not be swayed by outside factors or influences.  San Diego County Superior Court Judge Joan Weber (Ret.) served as one of the principal organizers of the Justice 250 event. Justice Judith McConnell, Administrative Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District and chair of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, attended the event along with several judges from the San Diego Superior Court and federal district and circuit courts. Judicial Branch Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary A new video from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by recognizing jurors for their integral role in our justice system:   Also, a video of California Supreme Court justices reflects on the importance of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the United States and California constitutions: } Learn more from this news release: California Supreme Court Justices Mark America's 250th Anniversary. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-consider-appointments-courts-appeal-11 Commission to Consider Appointments to Courts of Appealnatalie.l.ston… Mon, 07/06/2026 - 14:25 News Release The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold in-person hearings in San Francisco on Aug. 6 starting at 9:00 a.m. to consider four appointments by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The commission will consider the following appointments: 9:00 a.m.: Justice Tari Cody, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura)  10:00 a.m.: Judge Nicholas Daum, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Four (Los Angeles) 11:00 a.m.: Judge Sonny S. Sandhu, as associate justice of the Fifth Appellate District (Fresno) 12:00 p.m.: Judge Charles Adams, as associate justice of the Sixth Appellate District (San Jose) The hearing webcast will be streamed live on the California Courts Newsroom. The state Constitution specifies that a gubernatorial appointment to the Court of Appeal is effective when confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.  The commission members who will consider the appointments are California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearings) *; Administrative Presiding Justice Brad R. Hill (for the Fifth Appellate District hearing); and Administrative Presiding Justice Mary J. Greenwood (for the Sixth Appellate District hearing).  *Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild will appear virtually for the 9:00 a.m. hearing for Justice Tari Cody and the 10:00 a.m. hearing for Judge Nicholas Daum.  Appointee Biographies Justice Tari Cody would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Arthur Gilbert. She has served as an associate justice for the Second Appellate District, Division Six, since 2023. She joined the bench in 2000, serving as a Ventura Superior Court judge until her appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2023. Before joining the bench, she was an associate and partner in private practice from 1985 to 2000. She received her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.  Judge Nicholas Daum would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Audrey B. Collins. He has served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, he was an associate and partner in private practice from 2004 to 2022. He received his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.  Judge Sonny S. Sandhu would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Rosendo Peňa, Jr. He has served as a Stanislaus Superior Court judge since 2018, and as presiding judge for the last year. Before joining the bench, he worked in the Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office, including as the public defender from 2017 to 2018, as chief deputy public defender from 2015 to 2017, and as deputy public defender from 2003 to 2015. He received his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University College of Law.  Judge Charles Adams would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian. He has served as a Santa Clara Superior Court judge since 2018. Before joining the bench, he served as an administrative law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 2011 to 2018. He was a staff attorney and legal research attorney at the Santa Clara Superior Court from 2006 to 2011. Adams was also an associate in private practice from 2003 to 2006. He received his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law.  Testimony and Comment Requests to testify or written comments on the appointment must be received by the commission no later than 5 p.m. on July 30 (five court days prior to the hearing). Anyone wishing to testify before the commission must state that request in writing and include a summary of the facts on which any testimony or opinion will be based.   Submissions via email to coja@jud.ca.gov are strongly encouraged. Hard copies are not required.  If you would like to mail your request, you may also reach the commission at:  Commission on Judicial Appointments   c/o Chief Justice of California   Supreme Court of California   350 McAllister Street   San Francisco, California 94102   Attention: Secretary to the Commission   Guidelines for the Commission on Judicial Appointments are published in the appendix to the California Rules of Court and are posted on the California Courts website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/chief-justice-calls-jury-service-cornerstone-american-judicial-system Chief Justice Calls Jury Service a Cornerstone of the American Judicial SystemCorren, Blaine Wed, 07/01/2026 - 16:01 News Release Outlined in the Declaration of Independence and later guaranteed as a right in the Constitution, jury service stands as one of the cornerstones of the American justice system. A new video featuring California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero welcomes individuals fulfilling their jury service and honors 250 years of jurors who have answered the call throughout our nation’s history. “Jury service is more than a civic duty—it is a privilege and a responsibility that ensures fairness and equality under the law,” says Chief Justice Guerrero. “When you serve as a juror, you uphold the promise that justice is not decided by government alone, but by the people.” The video is also available on the California Courts website at courts.ca.gov/courts/jury-service. Making the Jury System Better for JurorsIn addition to Juror Appreciation Week celebrated annually in May, the California courts show their appreciation for jurors all year round. Learn more about recent statewide initiatives to improve jury service in California. Additional Anniversary Video From California Supreme Court Justices In addition to the Chief Justice’s message about jury service, for this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Chief Justice and associate justices of the California Supreme Court reflect more generally on the importance of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the United States and California constitutions. Learn more about the court’s recognition of the anniversary and see that video on the California Courts Newsroom. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-chief-justice-issues-statement-judicial-branch-budget California Chief Justice Issues Statement on Judicial Branch BudgetBalassone, Merrill Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:34 News Release California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero today issued a statement on the judicial branch budget for fiscal year 2026-27:  I appreciate the Governor’s and the Legislature’s strong commitment to supporting the essential work of the judicial branch. The funding provided for California’s courts helps address increased operational costs for trial courts and rising costs for court interpreter services and appellate court-appointed counsel, and the funding also accelerates progress on the five-year infrastructure plan for courthouse construction and maintenance. The budget additionally includes funding for 13 new judgeships over five years to help meet ongoing judicial workload challenges in counties with the greatest need. These, and the other investments included in the budget, allow the judiciary to continue ensuring that people can access the courts to resolve their legal issues. We look forward to continuing this collaboration among our three branches of government as we strive to ensure fair, equal, and timely access to justice for all Californians.” https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-justices-mark-americas-250th-anniversary California Supreme Court Justices Mark America's 250th AnniversaryBalassone, Merrill Mon, 06/29/2026 - 11:35 News Release On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, justices of the California Supreme Court reflect on the importance of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the United States and California constitutions. "All California courts are committed to safeguarding the structure and the fundamental principles which form the basis for our government and the promise of this country," said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The Declaration of Independence closes with the signers mutually pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to one another: "In the same type of spirit, the people of this state play an important role in the mutual pledge that we have as it affects the courts, whether it's through jury service, civic education, or other forms of civic engagement," Chief Justice Guerrero said. "And the courts for our part across our state stand ready to uphold our commitment to ensuring that everyone is treated with fairness and equality under the law." Watch the video below to hear justices of the California Supreme Court share their reflections on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-make-language-used-jury-service-more-gender-inclusive California Courts to Make Language Used in Jury Service More Gender Inclusivenatalie.l.ston… Thu, 06/25/2026 - 12:23 Feature This summer, the California courts are updating language used in jury service materials to be more gender inclusive, like changing the phrase “his or her jury service” to “a person’s jury service.” The updates help minimize gender bias and create a more welcoming environment for transgender jurors, nonbinary jurors, or other jurors that may not identify with the traditional gender binary. Approximately 220,000 transgender and nonbinary adults live in California. Updates to Jury Service Standards, Rules, and Forms  Earlier this year, the Judicial Council’s Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness made recommendations to improve gender inclusivity in jury materials. Following those recommendations, the council adopted a new standard of judicial administration (a guideline for the courts) and updated three rules of court, two juror forms, and sample scripts used in jury selection.  “Building a welcoming environment for every juror fosters public trust in the justice system,” says San Francisco County Judge Michael Rhoads, a council member and a member of the council's Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness. “The Judicial Council’s important work ensures that our juries represent the people they serve.  When people from all backgrounds feel respected and empowered to participate, our courts and our communities are stronger.” The new standard of judicial administration provides the courts with ways to promote gender inclusivity, including:  Avoid assuming the gender of a juror who has not indicated the pronouns they use.   Avoid seeking information about the gender of jurors unless it is necessary or relevant.   If it is necessary or relevant, provide jurors with the option to indicate their gender identity or expression, allowing for multiple selections and a write-in option.  The council also made updates to specific phrases in rules for court proceedings. The phrases include using “a person’s jury service” instead of “his or her jury service,” “prospective juror” instead of “mother” for potential deferrals of jury service due to breastfeeding, and “the prospective juror” instead of “himself or herself” for potential deferrals of jury service due to financial burden.  Other updates to optional questionnaires for prospective jurors included removing a question asking about the sex of a juror’s children and changing referrals to a juror’s parents, spouse, or significant other to gender-neutral terms. Lastly, the council amended two existing standards of judicial administration, which provide scripts for judges to use during jury selection. The changes include expanding the list of characteristics that might be subject to bias and using gender-neutral terms to refer to judges, attorneys, or others in the courtroom. Education for Judges on Gender Inclusivity  In addition to updating its standards and rules, the council also revised several reference materials for judges about ensuring access for LGBTQ+ people. The updated materials cover subjects like using inclusive language and pronouns, considerations for LGBTQ+ youth, and general best practices for inclusion of LGBTQ+ people during court proceedings. Council and Courts Have Long Recognized the Importance of Language Gender-inclusive language not only serves transgender and nonbinary communities but historically has helped endorse the inclusion of women in legal, professional, and social spaces.  Many words in the English language are masculinized, such as freshman, manpower, policeman, or congressman. Over the years, some of these words have been updated, like police officer or congressperson, to reflect the presence and contributions of women and other people that don’t identify as male.  Recognizing the importance of this type of language, more than 30 years ago the council adopted new rules of court to help address this issue. The council updated jury instructions to include “she” and “her” pronouns to refer to jurors, attorneys, and litigants. This helped diminish the gender bias that only men were participating in the judicial process. In addition to updating jury instructions, the council approved 66 other recommendations from its Advisory Committee on Gender Bias in the Courts. Judicial Council Committed to Providing Access and Fairness The council’s Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness makes recommendations for improving access to the judicial system, fairness in the state courts, diversity in the judicial branch, and court services for self-represented parties. Key projects of this advisory body are outlined in its annual agenda.